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11 Best 0% APR Credit Cards Of April 2024

Deputy Editor,  Personal Finance Writer
Lead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards

Fact Checked

Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 11:13am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Credit cards are known for charging higher interest rates than other loan products from banks. But with promotional 0% APR periods, some cards let you avoid interest payments on purchases, balance transfers or both. When comparing 0% APR cards, be aware some lack other features, such as rewards and additional perks, and may not offer as much value after the introductory period ends.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • 210 Credit Cards Ranked
  • 28,000 Data Points Collected
  • 5 Levels of Fact-Checking
  • 95 Categories Considered

Read more
Show Summary

The Best 0% APR Credit Cards

All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Best 0% APR Credit Cards of 2024

Best for earning Citi ThankYou points

Citi Rewards+® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 2X ThankYou® Points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1XRead More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 months on Purchases and Balance Transfers

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)

Editor's Take

The Citi Rewards+® Card is an intriguing option as an everyday card for small purchases. In terms of rewards earnings, Citi rounds up all purchases to the next 10 points. Meaning, that a $3 purchase will earn 10 points. Earn additional rewards with a 10% redemption bonus each year (on up to 100,000 redeemed points) plus an increased earning rate on supermarkets and gas spending up to the annual $6,000 cap— with no annual fee.

Pros & Cons
  • All purchases rounded up to the nearest 10 rewards points.
  • 10% points bonus added to the first 100,000 points redeemed annually.
  • No rotating categories to manage.
  • Foreign transaction fee.
  • Potentially high APR depending on your creditworthiness.
  • High balance transfer fee
  • Annual $6,000 spending cap on 2x points category.
Card Details
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
  • Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
  • The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
  • No Annual Fee
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for automatic earning maximization

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle. 4% cashRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 months on Purchases and Balance Transfers

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Editor's Take

The Citi Custom Cash is a great option for people looking to maximize cash back rewards without having to worry about activating or selecting bonus categories.

Pros & Cons
  • No registration required to earn bonus rewards
  • Cash-back categories are unique categories that other cards may not offer bonus rewards for
  • Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • High balance transfer fee
  • High foreign transaction fee
  • Some everyday rewards categories are neglected
Card Details
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best 0% intro APR card for cash-back match

Discover it® Cash Back

Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more,Read More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 months

Regular APR

17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Editor's Take

For moderate spenders who are willing to activate the 5% rotating categories and track the quarterly spending cap, this no-annual-fee card can deliver tidy rewards outside of its ongoing 1% earning rate.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cash back on quarterly rotating spending categories throughout the year (activation required)
  • Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
  • No minimum cashback redemption
  • 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
  • Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
  • Low 1% base reward rate on everything else
Card Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for earning flexible rewards

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and earn unlimited 1.25X miles on everyRead More

Welcome Bonus

20,000 Miles

Annual Fee

$0

Intro Balance Transfer Period

15

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Editor's Take

This card keeps it simple but has enough to keep things interesting. It’s one of the few no annual fee cards that allows transfers to travel partners. You’ll also earn flat-rate rewards with several easy options for redeeming. It travels well, too: There are no foreign transaction fees and you’ll earn extra points for booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One’s travel portal.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • No penalty APR
  • Ongoing rewards rate is relatively low
  • Locked in to Capital One Travel booking to earn the highest rewards
Card Details
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best 0% intro APR card with rotating categories

Chase Freedom Flex℠ *

Chase Freedom Flex℠
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200 bonus + 5% on Gas and Grocery (excluding Target and Walmart)

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 months

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Editor's Take

This card has the brawn to handle just about all of your credit card spending needs without an over-inflated price tag. The card has an annual fee of $0, yet comes with a pumped-up earnings structure that covers a wide swath of expenses including travel, drugstores and dining plus rotating quarterly bonus categories in areas many households are likely to find appealing.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
  • Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
  • Generous rewards rate in several other categories
  • Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
Card Details
  • Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening, plus earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for 0% intro APR and earning Membership Rewards points

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card *

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1X); Earn 2XRead More

Welcome Bonus

15,000 points

Annual Fee

$95

Intro APR Purchase Period

12 months

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% variable

Editor's Take

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card is a hidden gem for those who make frequent gas and supermarket purchases every month. Using the card for purchases at least 30 times in a month unlocks a stellar 50% bonus on that month’s points earnings.

Pros & Cons
  • Flexible rewards program with a wide variety of redemption categories
  • Low spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
  • Get bonus points each month in which the card is used 30+ times
  • Return protection
  • Foreign transaction fee of 2.7%
  • High penalty APR
  • Mediocre base rewards rate if you don’t utilize the bonus
  • $95 annual fee
Card Details
  • Earn 15,000 points after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
  • Earn 3 points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point); 2 points on US gas stations and 1 point on other eligible purchases
  • Use your card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period to earn 50% extra points on those purchases less returns and credits
All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 15,000 points after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for choosing bonus categories

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website

Choose your 3% category

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up toRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Editor's Take

While offering solid rewards for moderate spenders, the card really shines for Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients, who get a 25%-75% boost in cashback earnings.

Pros & Cons
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients earn 25% to 75% more cash back
  • Decent rewards earning potential
  • Option to change 3% bonus category monthly
  • Bonus rewards have quarterly caps
  • High balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
Card Details
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best 0% intro APR card for cash back on travel

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On U.S. Bank's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On U.S. Bank's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash backRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200 bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 billing cycles

Regular APR

19.49% - 29.74% Variable

Editor's Take

Considering that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has no annual fee, it offers impressive cash back rewards potential. One caveat – be sure to opt into your preferred bonus categories each quarter, or you’ll be stuck with the base rate of 1%.

Pros & Cons
  • Up to 5% cash back in eligible categories
  • 2% cash back in different eligible categories
  • Welcome bonus
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles
  • No annual fee
  • 5% cash-back rate limited to first $2,000 in combined purchases in chosen categories each quarter
  • You have to choose your 5% categories, meaning you can miss out on elevated rewards
  • Foreign transaction fee
Card Details
  • $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% – 29.74%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for earning on entertainment spending

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card *

4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 8% Cash Back

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 Cash Bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Editor's Take

The Capital One SavorOne card is a perfect cash back credit card for those who spend a lot at restaurants, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and on entertainment. With its 3% cash back rate in those categories, it’s a win for socialites that don’t want to pay for an annual fee.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Increased cash back on dining and entertainment
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Easy-to-redeem cash-back rewards
  • Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • High standard rate APR
  • Limited cash-back reward categories
Card Details
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for flexible rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 6.5X Reward Rate

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, after that 5% cash backRead More

Welcome Bonus

Up to $300 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 months

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Editor's Take

A good overall spending card that allows you to hold a balance on new purchases with a low introductory APR, pay no annual fee, and still earn at least 1.5% cashback on all purchases

Pros & Cons
  • Generous welcome offer for a no annual fee card
  • Unlimited 1.5% minimum earn rate for cash-back rewards
  • No minimum redemption amount
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Ongoing balance transfer fee is high
  • Requires a companion card to transfer points to travel partners
Card Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best 0% intro APR card for flat-rate rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website

Unlimited 2% Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Welcome Bonus

$200 Cash Rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Intro APR Purchase Period

15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Editor's Take

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and charges no annual fee. This puts it in competition with the best flat-rate cash back cards on the market.

Pros & Cons
  • Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cellphone protection benefit
  • There’s a balance transfer fee
  • There’s a foreign transaction fee
  • No travel transfer partners
Card Details
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best 0% intro APR card for earning rewards on groceries

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card *

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 2x Reward Rate

Earn 2X points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1X); Earn 2X points at American ExpressRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 10,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 29.24% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

If you are looking for a solid intro APR offer and frequently spend at US supermarkets, this is the card for you.

Pros & Cons
  • Possible to earn 20% bonus on all points earned
  • 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar)
  • No annual fee
  • 2.7% foreign transaction fee
  • Spending cap on bonus points at grocery stores
  • Requires 20 purchases per month to earn 20% bonus
Card Details
  • Earn 10,000 membership rewards points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of card membership
  • Earn 2 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year (then 1 point)
  • Earn 2 points for every dollar when you use your card to book your trip through American Express Travel
  • Earn 1 point for every eligible dollar you spend on everything else
  • You can use membership rewards points towards eligible charges you make on your card, such as retail, dining, entertainment and more
  • Use your card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra points on those purchases
All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 10,000 points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Summary of the Best 0% APR Credit Cards

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Best for earning Citi ThankYou points
Excellent, Good
$0
20,000 points
Best for automatic earning maximization
Excellent, Good, Fair
$0
$200
Best 0% intro APR card for cash-back match
Excellent/Good
$0
Cashback Match™
Best for earning flexible rewards
Excellent, Good
$0
20,000 Miles
Best 0% intro APR card with rotating categories
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 bonus + 5% on Gas and Grocery (excluding Target and Walmart)
Best for 0% intro APR and earning Membership Rewards points
Good/Excellent
$95
15,000 points
Best for choosing bonus categories
Good, Excellent
$0
$200
Best 0% intro APR card for cash back on travel
Good,Excellent
$0
$200 bonus
Best for earning on entertainment spending
Excellent, Good
$0
Earn $200 Cash Bonus
Best for flexible rewards
Excellent, Good
$0
Up to $300 cash back
Best 0% intro APR card for flat-rate rewards
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 Cash Rewards
Best 0% intro APR card for earning rewards on groceries
Good/Excellent
$0
Earn 10,000 points
All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Best 0% APR Credit Cards

Citi Rewards+® Card

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While the Citi Rewards+® Card has a competitive 0% intro APR offer, its rewards potential is lower than some of the other cards on this list. Still, it could be worth considering for the ultra-dedicated ThankYou® Points maximizers who want to boost their earnings on small purchases.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. An intro balance transfer fee of either 3% of each transfer or a minimum amount of $5 within the first 4 months of account opening applies. After that, the amount of each balance transfer will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5) applies.

Rewards: Earn 2 ThankYou Points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 in spending per year and 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on other eligible purchases, plus 5 ThankYou® Points per dollar on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum after 4 months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Citi rounds your points up to the nearest ten points on every purchase, so a $2 purchase is rounded up to 10 points and a $14 purchase is rounded up to 20 points. You’ll also receive a 10% bonus on the first 100,000 points redeemed each year. That means when you redeem 10,000 points, you’ll be given 1,000 additional ThankYou points. Like other cards on this list, the Citi Rewards+® Card charges a foreign transaction fee.

Citi Custom Cash® Card

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The Citi Custom Cash® Card may not be the first card you consider, but it does have a unique rewards-earning structure and a solid intro APR period. Unfortunately, the monthly cap on elevated earnings limits the card’s ability to pack a punch.

Intro APR offer: 0% introductory APR for 15 months from date of account opening on purchases and from date of first transfer for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on creditworthiness. There is also a balance transfer fee of 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in a top eligible spend category up to the first $500 spent each billing cycle, 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025 and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. The bonus points come in the form of 20,000 ThankYou® Points that can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Citi Custom Cash® Card charges foreign transaction fees. Outside of unlocking the ability to purchase tickets on Citi Entertainment, this card doesn’t offer much in the way of additional benefits.

Discover it® Cash Back

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Like the Chase Freedom Flex℠*, the Discover it® Cash Back offers rotating quarterly 5% categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required) that typically have wide appeal. Past examples of eligible spending categories include supermarkets, gas stations and warehouse clubs. That gives this card staying power beyond its intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.

Intro APR offer: 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers. Then, a standard rate of 17.24% - 28.24% variable applies. A balance transfer fee of up to 5% of the amount transferred applies.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in spending when activated. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Welcome offer: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year as a cardmember. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Like several other cards with rotating categories, Discover doesn’t disclose the year’s bonus categories all at once but rather one at a time before each proceeding quarter. The Discover it® Cash Back card caps 5% earnings at $1,500 spend per quarter. If you’re likely to regularly exceed the quarterly maximums, another card might yield better returns.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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Those who don’t like annual fees or extra gimmicks may be satisfied with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees). On top of its flat-rate rewards, the card gets additional value from the myriad of extra benefits that come standard on most Capital One cards.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months, 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you.

Rewards: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on every other purchase.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: Balance transfer fee applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The VentureOne isn’t quite as rewarding as its beefier cousins that charge annual fees, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees). Still, it offers the ability to transfer miles to qualifying partner hotel and airline programs, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (rates & fees) and offers extended warranty, travel assistance services and auto rental insurance.

Chase Freedom Flex℠ *

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The Chase Freedom Flex℠* has the brawn to handle just about all of your credit card spending needs without an annual fee.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. Balance transfer fee of up to 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer applies.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Keep in mind that you’ll need to activate the 5% cash-back categories each quarter and the year’s bonus categories aren’t set in advance which can make it challenging to plan ahead. Additionally, the 5% earnings rate is capped at the first $1,500 spent each quarter. The card offers purchase protection, extended warranty protection, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, cellphone protection and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card *

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The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card* is a great entry to the Membership Rewards® ecosystem for cardholders in need of 0% APR and who don’t mind paying an annual fee.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers requested within 60 days of opening the account for the first 12 months from the date of account opening, followed by a regular APR of 18.24% - 28.24% variable. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater applies.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point per dollar), 2 points per dollar on U.S. gas stations and eligible travel purchases like prepaid hotel stays, vacation packages and cruises booked through AmexTravel.com and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a variety of travel partner programs, which can potentially give you outsized value for your rewards. Cardholders can also benefit from car rental loss and damage insurance, return protection and access to Amex Offers. However, if your primary interest in the card is its 0% intro APR offer, the shorter term on this card compared to some of the others on this list is a downside.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

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The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers an opportunity to earn 3% on your chosen category and online shopping is one of the options. That’s a nice earnings opportunity for people who prefer to shop from home.

Intro APR offer: 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers, 18.24% - 28.24% variable APR applies thereafter. Intro rate applies for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days; balance transfer fee of 3% applies to each transfer during this period, then 4%.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the eligible category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The biggest disappointment on this card is the rewards cap of $2,500 in combined spending on the 3% and 2% categories. If your spending at grocery stores and/or wholesale clubs is high, this could seriously cut into your 3% earning before the end of each quarter. Beyond the 0% intro APR and a moderate welcome bonus, the other features of this card don’t impress. But if Bank of America is your primary bank and you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you’ll get a 25% to 75% earnings bonus which can make the card a lot more rewarding.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

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The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card isn’t the best at a lot of things, but it’s a great option for those looking for an introductory APR offer and who want to earn targeted rewards.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then a standard APR of 19.49% - 29.74% variable APR applies. A balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) applies and balances transferred must be completed within 60 days from account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category such as gas stations, grocery stores or restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Earning in the highest rewards categories is capped at a combined spend of $2,000 per quarter, which may be disappointing if you have some big purchases coming up in a qualifying category. The card charges a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not a good choice for those who plan to travel abroad.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card *

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With high earnings on several popular spending categories and no rewards caps, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) has a lot to offer even beyond its introductory APR.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months, 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: Balance transfer fee applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: You’ll get access to a few standard Capital One card benefits including Capital One Entertainment. With no foreign transaction fees and travel accident insurance, this is a solid option for international travel.  And shoppers will appreciate that this card provides extended warranty protection. Since the extra cash-back categories are unlimited, this could be a smart card to pair with one that has bonus caps.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has powerful points-earning potential. This all-around workhorse of a card notches solid rewards and additional benefits all without an annual fee.

Intro APR offer: 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases, plus an additional 1.5% cash back on the first $20,000 in purchases the first year.

Welcome offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, worth up to $300 cash back.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Rewards are earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards® and can be redeemed for straight cash back, travel, merchandise or pooled with another premium Chase Ultimate Rewards®-earning card for potentially greater value when redeemed for travel.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

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If you’re in need of a 0% intro APR card but also want to earn hassle-free, flat-rate cash back, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is worth a look.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a fee of up to 5%, with a minimum of $5 applies.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual fee: $0

Balance transfer fee: up to 5%, min: $5.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also offers cellphone protection of up to $600 when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible) (Terms apply).

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card *

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The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card* charges no annual fee and it earns respectable Membership Rewards, which are transferable to airline and hotel partners.

Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a regular APR of 18.24% - 29.24% variable. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.

Rewards: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1X), 2 points per dollar when using the card to book trips through American Express Travel and 1 point for every eligible dollar on everything else. Plus, use the card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra points on those purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 10,000 points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Balance Transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The card comes with secondary car rental coverage and global assistance services, a nice set of features for a card with no annual fee. But since other cards offer higher earning rates on grocery purchases and all other spending, this card is best for someone who’s specifically looking to earn Membership Rewards without paying an annual fee.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Methodology

Not all 0% APR cards are created equal. To generate our list of top picks, Forbes Advisor reviewed dozens of credit cards with 0% intro APR offers across a broad spectrum of issuers. Factors considered include:

  • Intro 0% APR periods
  • Fees
  • Rewards
  • Rewards redemption options
  • Transfer partners
  • Other ongoing card benefits

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.


Complete Guide to 0% APR and Low Interest Credit Cards


What Does 0% APR Mean?

A 0% introductory APR offer means cardholders don’t pay interest on eligible transactions for a specified period of time. Any remaining balance at the end of the promotional period will accrue interest at the regular APR.

Introductory APR offers may apply to purchases, transferred balances or both. Many cards offer periods greater than one year, with some cards extending 0% introductory APRs beyond 18 months. Balance transfer fees often apply to 0% introductory APR-eligible balance transfer transactions, although they may be reduced during the introductory period. Minimum payments are still required during any 0% introductory APR period.


APR Glossary

Annual percentage rates can be challenging to understand in part because there are so many types of APRs.

What Is a Purchase APR?

What Is a Balance Transfer APR?

What Is an Intro APR?

What Is a Variable APR?

What Is an Ongoing APR?

Read more: Average Credit Card Interest Rates


What Is a 0% Intro APR Credit Card?

A 0% intro APR credit card offers an introductory period without finance charges on purchases, balance transfers or both. Getting a break from interest can be a welcome change from the double-digit interest typically charged on credit cards. The less you’re paying in interest, the more you can put toward paying off your debt.


How Does 0% APR Work?

Introductory 0% APR offers allow new cardholders to finance purchases or balance transfers—sometimes both, depending upon the offer and card agreement terms—without paying interest for a predetermined period of time. After this time, the regular, ongoing interest rate applies to any outstanding balances.

The table below demonstrates the difference in cost for using a credit card to borrow $1,000 for 15 months. Assuming the cardholder makes equal monthly payments each month, the cost of carrying the balance is evident. You can calculate your own interest rates using our credit card payoff calculator.

Interest Rate Total Principal Paid Total Interest Paid Monthly Payment Total Cost
22.99%
$1,000
$152.03
$81
$1,152.03
19.99%
$1,000
$136.31
$77
$1,136.31
0% for 15 months
$1,000
$0
$66.67
$1,000

Note that 0% introductory APRs are significantly different from deferred interest financing, which may charge interest from the date of purchase. Deferred interest financing is often referred to as “special financing.” Carefully read any card agreement before applying for a card.

What Happens When the 0% APR Promotion Ends?

When a 0% introductory APR period ends, the ongoing APR applies to any unpaid balances carried on the card. For this reason, it’s critical that you aim to pay off any balances before the end of the introductory period. If an emergency expense occurs, try to make as much progress as possible in paying down the debt.

How Does Credit Score Affect Interest Rates?

When applying for a credit card, your creditworthiness as determined by the card issuer is a central factor in determining the interest rate offered to you. Your credit score helps lenders determine the risk they’ll take on if they loan you money.  Your score is determined by a scoring model, typically FICO or Vantage, based on the information the credit bureaus provide.

Elements of your credit, like your payment history, credit utilization, the age of accounts and type of credit help determine your credit score. The higher your score, the better your credit and the more likely you’ll be to receive an APR that’s at the lower end of the card’s range.


Pros and Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards

Before you apply for a card with an introductory 0% APR promotion, it’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of using one. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Pros of 0% APR Credit Cards

  • You can save money on interest. Regardless of how long the promotion lasts, you can save money on interest charges. Maximize those savings by paying off the balance in full before the promotion ends.
  • Lowers your monthly payments. With no interest charges, your minimum monthly payment will be lower. Make it a priority to pay more than the minimum, however, to avoid having a large balance once the card’s regular APR kicks in.
  • Helps you pay down debt faster. Without interest, every cent you pay will go directly to the balance, allowing you to reduce your debt in less time.

Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards

  • A misstep can cause you to lose the promotion. If you miss a payment or pay less than the minimum amount due, your credit card issuer may revoke the 0% APR promotion and interest may start accruing on your balance immediately.
  • It can cause you to be complacent. Having no interest and a minimum monthly payment can make it easy to slack off on your debt payoff plan. But if you don’t pay your balance in full by the end of the promotional period, you may end up with some high-interest debt.
  • Balance transfers often come with fees. If you get a 0% APR credit card for the balance transfer offer, you can expect to pay an upfront fee of 3% to 5% of the transfer amount which will be added to your balance and eat into your savings. Some credit union credit cards offer balance transfers with no balance transfer fees, but their 0% intro APRs are often for shorter terms.

Who Should Get a 0% APR Credit Card?

You might consider getting a 0% APR credit card if any of the following situations apply:

  • You have good or excellent credit.
  • You’re making a large purchase and need time to pay it off.
  • You want to consolidate high-interest credit card debt.
  • You have some emergency expenses and don’t want to deal with hefty interest charges.
  • You’re motivated to pay off your balance before the promotional period expires.
  • You’re able to pay your credit card bills on time.

How Much Could You Save With a 0% Intro APR Offer?

Your potential savings will depend on a number of factors including your balance, the length of your promotion, potential fees and whether you pay off the debt before the promotion ends.

To give you an idea of how much you can save, let’s say you want to make a $5,000 purchase and can pay it off in 15 months. If you have a current credit card with a 20% APR, your monthly payment would be $379.50 and you’d pay $692.35 in interest.

But, if you applied for a 0% APR credit card with a 15-month promotional period, your monthly payment would be $333.33, and you’d pay no interest at all, saving you nearly $700.

Pro Tip
Use a balance transfer calculator to help you determine whether it’s worth it to move a current credit card balance over to a 0% APR card. Input the required details for your current and new credit cards to calculate the potential savings.

How Do You Qualify for a 0% APR Offer?

Cards with 0% introductory APR offers typically require good or excellent credit. If lenders are going to forego the opportunity to charge you interest on carried balances for a period of time, they want to ensure you’re capable of making regular, on-time minimum payments and are unlikely to default on the balance. So the better your income and credit score, the more likely you’ll receive approval for a card with a 0% introductory APR.

Check your credit before applying for any credit card to catch any mistakes or unexpected negative marks. If your credit is lower, it’s a good idea to take steps to improve your credit before applying for new cards.


How To Pick a 0% APR or Zero Interest Credit Card

  • Look for the longest 0% APR offer available. More importantly, make sure that the offer you’re considering is long enough for you to pay off all or most of your debt without any interest.
  • Evaluate the fees. You’ll likely pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5%. If you plan to pay off your balance in a couple of months, crunch the numbers to confirm that the interest you’d save would outweigh your upfront fee.
  • Consider which perks you want. Ask yourself if you’re interested in any other credit card perks, such as a free FICO Score on your monthly statement, cellphone insurance or extended warranty coverage.
  • Consider your spending style. If your goal is earning rewards on your purchases while avoiding interest, consider the type of purchases you plan to make. Some cards offer more rewards in specific bonus categories, so you should choose a card that will give you the most bang for your buck.
  • Look at the ongoing variable APR. While balance transfer credit cards can help you temporarily save on interest, you’re going to be stuck with the card’s regular APR for future purchases.

How To Make the Most of Your 0% Interest Credit Card

Whether you use a 0% APR credit card for a large purchase, emergency expenses or a balance transfer, here are some tips to help you maximize your savings:

  • Create a payment plan. If you’re making one big purchase or transferring a balance, figure out how much you’ll have to pay each month to eliminate the debt before the promotion ends. Then, make it a priority to stick to that plan. If you’re planning to use the promotion for multiple purchases, evaluate your situation each month to determine how much to pay to avoid carrying over any debt.
  • Set up automatic payments. The last thing you want is to lose your promotion. To avoid the possibility of missing a payment, set up autopay on your account. It may also be a good idea to maintain a buffer in your checking accounts in case the payment overdraws your balance.
  • Read the fine print. For the most part, 0% APR terms are standard, but make sure you read the fine print for a card before you apply. For example, if a card only offers a 0% APR on balance transfers, you may not get a grace period on any new purchases you make.
  • Take steps to improve your financial management. Depending on your reasons for using a 0% APR, evaluate your financial situation and determine how you can manage debt and expenses in the future. You may consider building an emergency fund, limiting spending to avoid carrying a balance or saving up for larger purchases.
Pro Tip
If you’re using a 0% APR credit card for a large purchase, time your purchase to take advantage of any seasonal sales or deals to help you save money while paying no interest during the promotional period.

0% APR vs. Low Interest Credit Cards

  • Low interest credit cards offer cardholders a lower than usual regular APR. These cards can be an ideal option for cardholders who periodically need to carry a balance. Credit unions often offer low interest credit cards.
  • A 0% introductory APR offer is a limited-time opportunity to pay off your balance while avoiding interest charges completely for a set period of time. These cards rarely have low, ongoing interest rates and since the higher rates apply immediately to any remaining balance at the close of the period, they can be dangerous for those who aren’t careful.

Bottom Line

The best 0% intro APR cards can provide over a year and, with some, up to nearly two years of interest-free financing. But the APRs on all these cards will eventually revert to their higher, regular ongoing rates after the intro APR period is over. To maximize your interest-savings, make and stick to a plan to pay off your card balance before your promotional period ends.

Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get 0% APR on an existing credit card?

Most credit cards only offer a limited-time 0% APR as a welcome offer for new cardmembers. This is why a 0% APR is often listed prominently on promotional card offers. Once your promotional period is over, your interest rate will return to the standard rate.

That said, current cardholders are sometimes targeted for 0% APR offers either by email, mail or via their online accounts. If you are not targeted for an offer and are looking for a 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers, you can contact your card provider to ask if you qualify for a promotional rate. Otherwise, you would need to apply for a new card with a 0% intro APR.

What determines the APR on a credit card?

Each card sets their parameters for calculating APR, or annual percentage rate. Most cards advertise a range of APRs, with your exact interest rate being determined by your creditworthiness or a company’s risk analysis of your ability to pay.

What is the best credit card with no interest?

There’s no one best credit card offering a 0% introductory rate. Your particular circumstances will determine the right card for you.  You should consider whether you need 0% intro APR on a balance transfer, purchases or both. Then consider the promo offer, the regular APR, any fees, as well as any rewards or benefits the card may offer.

What is the longest 0% period I can get on a credit card?

Offers are updated frequently, with 0% APR frequently being offered for 12 to 15 months. Some of the best offers extend to 21 months before interest begins to accrue.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card currently offers one of the longest 0% introductory APRs on the market with its 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. A 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR applies thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5 applies.

What is a purchase interest charge?

A purchase interest charge is the amount you’ll pay in interest for anything you buy on your credit card after any applicable grace period. Credit card interest is typically compounded daily based on the average daily interest rate, which effectively means you pay interest throughout the month on an ever-increasing balance.

Because interest compounds, it’s best to pay your card in full or make extra payments when possible to reduce your balance. If you carry a balance, making an extra payment mid-cycle could cut down on your interest.

How much will my credit card payment be with 0% APR?

Your monthly payment will be determined by your balance and the card issuer’s method of calculating minimum payments. For example, the required payment may be a flat percentage of your balance or a percentage of your balance plus any new fees and interest. To ensure that you pay off the balance before the promotional period expires, consider paying more than the minimum payment amount.

What is the difference between interest rate and APR?

For credit cards, the interest rate is typically stated as an APR or annual percentage rate, and the terms are often used interchangeably.

How can I qualify for a low interest credit card?

As a general rule, the better your credit score is, the lower the interest rate a lender will grant you. If you want to qualify for a lower interest rate on your credit card, one of the best things you can do is work to improve your credit score. Doing things like making on-time payments, keeping your credit utilization low and not applying for too much new credit at the same time are all things that can help you have a higher credit score.

Credit unions often offer the lowest rate credit cards. If you have a banking relationship established at a credit union, you may be more likely to be approved, even with a lower credit score.

Which is better: low APR or cash back?

Between low APR and cash back, the better option will depend on your personal circumstances. If you regularly carry a balance on your credit card, you probably won’t be able to earn enough cash back to offset the interest charges you’re paying on your balance. However, if you never carry a balance, having a low APR offers no benefit, so a cash-back card may be better for you.


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*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Chase Freedom Flex℠, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening, plus earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
Earn 15,000 points after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn 10,000 points after spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
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